2012. In the heart of the Unesco labeled Cevennes National Parc on the Mont Lozére, reconversion of 19th century vaulted granite barn. Total overhaul from roof to subfloor including heating, septic system, plumbing and electrics. Lime and sand render walls with salvaged Douglas pine and cedar floors. Raw steel doors, custom kitchen and bath, and a made to measure sauna in cedar and pine.
Existing: The vaulted construction prevents opening to the South or North. The roof has been rebuilt and a chimney has been created. The barn is dark, the masonry of the central section is not pretty and the joints are crumbling. Ground floor gas area to recover but without natural light available. The double height should be valued.
Study: The approach remains integrated with raw materials typical to the site. A stark intervention that cuts the space in two serves to contrast and augment the value the old masonry. Facing the road, the National Park authorities refuse barn doors opening ‘out’ on the west face but agree to creating a new opening on the east
Proposal: Creation of an inner airlock and an opening to the East facing the river with a wooden cantilevered deck in burned pitch pine. Ground floor: Staircase created in a corridor which contains the laundry / washbasins / WC, 2 showers and sauna. In this way the water points occupy the darkest part of the place. A new septic system is to be installed to incorporate all existing and new grey water apparatus. The Douglas fir floors are decapped and waxed. A balcony integrates the double height with the hall.
Implementation: Lintels are recovered from an adjacent ruin for the new opening on the east. The vault receives lime render on 3/4 surface keeping some large stones visible. The airlock and doors are in steel, windows in painted wood.
The hall space and salon with its double height are separated in wood frame dressed in poplar plywood. The extension of the floor is soft Pine.
Ground floor is dressed in recovered Cedar planks. A ‘nomadic’ kitchen in Birchply and a Jotul insert fireplace with air duct dispersing excess heat to Hall.
